West Ham Preview

Last updated : 06 August 2004 By Graeme Smith

Leicester City vs West Ham United

7th August 2004

Walkers Stadium

Well, after all the pre season entertainment, from Estonia to Partick Thistle, Leicester City have their crunch day.

Micky Adams has stuck his neck on the line, stating that he believes the team are capable of promotion to the Premiership. In truth he is not alone in this feeling. Several newspapers have (unusually) put Leicester City amongst the favourites for going up. The Times and News of the World both believe we could be Championship Champions. Am I alone in disliking the term Championship???

Several new players have impressed during the preseason, and Foxes fans are no doubt eager to see the new upfront pairing of Dublin and Connolly. The defence will miss Matt Elliott, and hopefully two of Dabizas, Keown and Heath will fill the gap at the back. Based on Dublin's 20 minutes in defence against Real Mallorca, don't be surprised to see him pulled back there during the game.

The game should be a tight affair, with West Ham keen to avenge their play off defeat last year. Hopefully they'll still be nursing wounds. They have lost players this summer, but have brought in some good experience with the likes of Teddy Sheringham. Leicester City SHOULD be too much for them, but we have to hope that we've left defensive frailty in the Premiership!

SQUAD NEWS

Matt Elliott is out injured

Danny Tiatto is suspended for three matches

LEICESTERCITY-MAD PREDICTION

Leicester City to win by one goal

KEY MAN FOR CITY

David Connolly to do well against his old club